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Dash for Compassion 5K to raise funds for People's City Mission

September 25, 2013

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Ruby Ruano, student writer

For Union College student Annie Mullin, giving back to the community is more than something she does for a few hours on Project Impact day. That’s why she and fellow physician assistant students created Dash for Compassion on Sunday, October 6, to raise funds for the free clinic offered by People’s City Mission.

The race will take place at Holmes Lake Park starting with registration at 8:00 a.m. The starting gun will fire at 9:00 a.m. Participants will receive a t-shirt, along with fruit and refreshments after the race followed by awards and benefit presentation.

Mullin wants to benefit People’s City Mission because of all the learning opportunities the mission provides for PA students. “Union sends PA students there year after year for clinical rotations, and we knew it would be perfect for us to fundraise for them,” she said.

The idea for the race came to her while attending an annual physician assistant conference in Washington, D.C. “We got the idea from another PA student who I met at the conference,” Mullin said. “Her program does a 5K fundraiser every year to raise money for a free clinic in their community, and we immediately thought of the free clinic at People's City Mission here in Lincoln.”

The Union College Physician Assistant Studies program encourages students to get involved in the community beyond the required credits of observations hours and clinical studies. “As PA students, our purpose is always to serve and help people with our knowledge and compassion,” explained Mullin. “By forming this philanthropic partnership, we will be exhibiting the compassion and medical service that has come to define our profession.”

Not letting geography limit participation, there are three ways to join in:

Locally
With a $25 registration fee ($15 for students, $30 day of the race), participants will receive a t-shirt, snack and water bottle. Register online here.

Running in spirit
Participants outside of Lincoln are encouraged by running their own 5k race wherever they are, then joining in on social media. Register here, then be sure to like the PA program page on Facebook to post a photo and tag the page in it. On Instagram or Twitter, use the hashtag #ucollegeDash.

Giving a gift
Running is not for everyone. Those who would prefer to simply give can still support the fundraising goal by giving a gift to Union College and designating it for "PA Dash for Compassion" on this online form.